West Virginia (-3) vs Kansas St: West Virginia is the one of two undefeated team in the Big 12 and their perfect should not take blemish here. West Virginia has one of the best-running defenses in the country and they will be able to stuff the Wildcats one-dimensional attack. Skyler Howard has been good enough to carry the Mountaineers offense thus far. Look for Junior WR Shelton Gibson to continue to make big plays. This is the lock of the week, and the Mountaineers win big at home 31-13.
Marshall [+15.5} at Pittsburgh: The Thundering Herd let us down in our Balls to the Wall call last week, but that was because sophomore Quarterback Chase Litton was not under center. I’m not calling the Thundering Herd to pull off the upset. However, Chase Litton should light up the Panthers horrendous pass defense. Two touchdowns is too much to give, the Thundering Herd cover. Pitt wins 42-31.
USC (-10) vs ASU: ASU is off to a surprisingly 4-0 record to start the season, but they have had some ugly performances thus far. In their one road game ASU looked terrible against inept UTSA team. ASU struggled to move the ball early on against NAU and UTSA. The ASU offense has not faced an athletic front 7 like USC. The Trojans are going to force Manny Wilkins to move the ball consistently throw the air. The USC defensive backs have a huge matchup advantage over the young ASU receivers. Manny Wilkins will be in a position to force the ball, and the USC defense will have a chance to make huge plays. USC is looking to avoid their first 1-4 start since 2001, and Clay Helton is trying to not lose his job. The Trojans have a significant talent advantage over Sun Devils, and they should be playing with a sense of urgency. Young USC Quarterback Sam Darnold will look to make a big statement in his first home start. The Trojans win big 35-17.
Penn State (-3) vs Minnesota. Trace McSorley should dominate this weak Gophers secondary through the air. The Nittany Lions return home after are coming off an embarrassing beating on national tv. Premier programs playing at home after embracing road losses are very good intangible teams. Penn State is the more talented team, and they should play with a better sense of urgency. Like Clay Helton, James Franklin will be coaching for his job on Saturday afternoon. If the Lions lose there is no way Franklin keeps his job. Franklin will still be employed til next week.
Penn State takes care of business at home. 27-17 Penn St.